Risk Factors
Bugs are going to go where they want to go but you can take preventative measures to reduce the impact they have on your home.
Outside
- Some pests can reach your home by way of high grass or yard debris. Trim tree branches away from the top of your home. They can be used as a bridge for Carpenter ants.
- Piles of firewood stacked near your home can lead to pests such as Carpenter ants and termites. Store wood at least 20 feet away from your home.
- A leaking roof or a blocked gutter can accumulate moisture––a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
- Mosquitoes, flies, and other pests enter through small openings around windows and door frames. Caulk any small openings.
Inside
- Keep your home clean, free of spills and crumbs.
- Take garbage out regularly.
- Use dehumidifiers where needed.
- Inspect all potted plants and luggage brought into your home.
- An open garbage can stored under the sink can be a magnet for flies, rodents, roaches, and ants.
- Mice, roaches, and other pests can enter a home through tiny gaps between plumbing pipes and walls. Caulk or plug any small openings. (Mice can squeeze into and under holes or cracks less than an inch.)
- Leaky faucets can build moisture pools that draw insects.
- Food that is not sealed tightly can attract "pantry pests" such as roaches, moths, and rodents. Keep open cereals, flour, etc. in resealable containers.
- Improperly sealed attics or crawl spaces can become access points for spiders, rodents, and other pests. Again, caulk or plug any openings. The other advantage of caulking and sealing is that it prevents heat from escaping in winter. Why pay more?
